Stunned New Yorkers Cope With Attack Aftermath - 2001-09-12

Feelings of shock and horror have turned to grief and numbness as the full reality of Tuesday's terrorist attack sunk in on New Yorkers.

Movement in Manhattan remains severely restricted, with most bridges and tunnels leading into the city still closed as a security precaution. Although officials discouraged most people from coming to work in Manhattan, thousands did - walking or utilizing what subway and bus service was available.

Near the scene of the attack at the World Trade Center, dump trucks removed debris overnight, trying to clear a path for rescue workers. A few people have been found alive, but it's feared that the number of dead under the rubble of the collapsed buildings will reach well into the thousands.

FBI officials have alerted all rescue workers to look for the flight recorders that could provide important clues to the hijackings of the two airplanes that crashed into the Trade Center towers.

Since 1970, the twin towers of the World Trade Center have been major icons for New Yorkers, symbols for many, of the city's greatness. Now, they are suddenly gone, along with thousands of lives, and the feelings of grief and loss have become very intense.

However, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani says the city will get through this. "For people in New York, the best way to deal with this is, not only to deal with their own grief that we all feel and have, but to show that we are not going to be cowed by it, that we are not afraid, that we are going to go about our business and lead normal lives, and not let these cowards affect us in any way, like they are trying to do, which is [to] instill fear in us," the mayor said.

The mayor and other New York officials say they are very appreciative of help provided by the federal government in the form of emergency relief supplies and personnel, and also of the assistance given by the neighboring states of Connecticut and New Jersey.